Fixture and mounting assembly for a fence post

ABSTRACT

A post assembly for a hollow post includes an elongated support, preferably a standard pipe, at least one fixture, and, optionally, a mount. The fixture includes a fitting having a bore for receiving the elongated support, and a web that extends from the fitting to support a plurality of friction plates adapted to engage the inner walls of the hollow post. When employed, the mount allows for adjustment of the vertical alignment of the elongated support. The elongated support is attached to a bracket which is positioned over a base having a plurality of members extending upward through holes in the bracket. Movement of adjustment members positioned between the base and bracket allow for adjustment of the angle of the elongated support. A method of installation using the fixtures and mounts of the invention is also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/903,026, filed Jul. 30, 2004, entitled Fixture And MountingAssembly For A Fence Post, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, plastic, and particularly vinyl fences have becomecommon and popular as an alternative to traditional wood fencing. Thesefences are stronger, longer lasting, safer, and virtually maintenancefree. They are also largely weather resistant and impervious to pestssuch as termites. The color of the vinyl is integral to the fence, andthe vinyl composition is often modified to incorporate ultravioletprotective agents (such as titanium oxide), eliminating the need forpaints or stains. Vinyl fencing can come in a variety of styles,mimicking traditional picket, semi-private, privacy, and even wroughtiron fencing. Most fence posts for vinyl fencing are of hollowconstruction, and while a variety of shapes are possible, the mostcommon has a square cross-section and a corresponding square innercross-section.

The conventional method for installing a post, including vinyl fenceposts, has been to excavate a post hole, place the post into the hole,and secure the post using concrete. However, a variety of devices havebeen proposed as an alternative method of installation.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,366 to Speece discloses a fence postsupport which includes a ground engaging spike and an upper portion forengaging the hollow end of a fence post. The post-engaging elementincludes a pair of angle irons in an X-shaped configuration, the edgesof which are adapted to engage the interior corners of the square-shapedinterior of a hollow fence post. Also disclosed is a threaded elementfor expanding the angles of the post-engaging element, thereby securingthe fence post to the support.

One drawback of the device disclosed in Speece is that the fence post issupported from the base only. Often, and particularly with respect tohollow fence posts, additional support against lateral forces applied tothe fence post are desired. This is particularly true for endposts andgateposts. Traditionally, this has been addressed by simply placingtreated wooden stakes or rebar (steel rods) within the post prior tosetting in concrete. However, several fixtures have been proposed as animproved alternative.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,431 to Williams discloses a fixturewhich secures a hollow fence post to a “T” shaped stake which can bedriven into the ground. The fixture includes a central inner housing forfrictionally engaging the stake, and an outer, generally triangularperipheral member connected to the inner housing by a web. Thetriangular peripheral member is adapted to frictionally engage the postalong the three corners thereof. These fixtures can be provided atmultiple locations within the fence post to provide additional support.

Because it is readily available, relatively inexpensive, and easily cutto required lengths, standard pipe is an excellent support structure forhollow fence posts. Fixtures used in connection with standard pipes havebeen utilized to provide additional support and account for differencesbetween the size of the pipe and the inner dimensions of the fence post.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,188 to Coulis employs coiled springswhich fit tightly around an anchored pipe, the coiled springs havingextensions which fit into the interior corners of a hollow rectangularfence post.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,808 to Lehmann discloses a fixture constructed of apair of connected inner and outer cylinders. The inner cylinder extendsbeyond one end of the outer cylinder and has holes therein for fasteningthe fixture to a pipe. The outer cylinder is connected to the innercylinder by a web, a hollow fence post can then be fitted over the outercylinder.

In the many uses of posts supported by the various means discussedabove, and particularly in the construction of fences, it is oftennecessary to attach hardware, such as brackets and hinges. While thereare many advantages to using hollow vinyl posts, the conventional methodof using screws to attach such hardware is problematic because thethickness of the walls of the posts is often insufficient. It wouldtherefore be advantageous to provide a fixture for a hollow post that,in addition to positioning the post, provides additional support forconventional hardware.

Moreover, in the vinyl fence post industry, there are manymanufacturers, and the interior dimensions of such fence posts can varysignificantly. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a fixture for ahollow fence post that accounts for differences in design and acceptablemanufacturing tolerances.

Generally, it would be very desirable to have a fixture for securing ahollow post to a support structure such as a standard pipe that issimple, versatile and easily manufactured.

In some instances, a post such as that employed in vinyl fencing is notsecured to the ground, but is instead attached to a structure, such as awood deck or a cement floor. In those instances, a mount having a baseplate for attachment to a structure is typically employed.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,457 to Knudson et al. describes a mountfor a vinyl fence post that includes a base having mounting holes forattachment to a structure. Extending from the base is a pair ofelongated support members in an X-shaped configuration providing contactwith the inner corners of a hollow fence post having a rectangularcross-section.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,359,827 to Gehman discloses a mount for a hollow fencepost including a base plate with holes for receiving set screws forattachment to a base. Extending vertically from the four corners of therectangular base plate are four angle irons. Attached to the oppositeend of the angle irons is a rectangular top plate which can be adjustedby a screw mechanism to lock the fixture against the inside corners ofthe fence post.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,924,834 to Young discloses a newel post for a balustradewhich is mounted using a clamping mechanism having a pair of expandablewedges. A bolt passed through a hole in a boss and engages the wedges,causing them to bear against the inside wall of the hollow newel postand clamp the boss to a nut positioned in the bore of a substrate.

One problem associated with the mounts of the prior art lies inadjusting the vertical alignment of the post. Variations in the surfaceof, for example, a wood deck, can cause a post using such mounts to leanat an undesirable angle. In some instances, the structure may simply notbe appropriately level. To correct the vertical alignment, it is oftennecessary to use a shim, which can be unsightly and unstable.

For example, U.S. Published Application No. 2003/0233793 to Burkart etal. relates to a post mounting system having individually adjustableangled clamping members which contact the interior of a hollow plasticpost and secure the post against the retaining wall of a base member.Disclosed therein is an angled circular shim member that can be fittedunder the entire base member of the mount to adjust the verticalalignment.

Thus, also needed are improvements with respect to mounts for hollowposts that overcome the shortcomings of the above devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the present invention is to provide new andimproved post assemblies, fixtures and mounts for use in connection withthe installation of hollow posts, and methods of installation usingthese new and improved devices.

In one embodiment, there is provided a fixture for mounting a hollowpost to an elongated support structure such as a pipe. The fixtureincludes a fitting having a bore adapted to receive the supportstructure. Extending from the fitting is a web that connects the fittingto a plurality of friction plates. Preferably, the fixture includes fourfriction plates, and includes a fastener for securing the fixture to thesupport structure.

A preferred embodiment of the fixture includes a web in the form of ahorizontal plate having four peripheral edges from which four frictionplates extend. It is also preferred that the friction plates extend fromthe respective edges of the horizontal plate at an obtuse angle formedbetween the horizontal plate and the friction plate.

In another embodiment, the friction plates define a hollow cavityunderlying the web, and the fitting extends within that cavity. In thecase where fasteners used to connect the fitting to a pipe are locatedwithin this cavity, at least one of the friction plates is provided withan access opening so that the fastener can be engaged or disengaged tosecure or release the fixture from the pipe.

In another embodiment, provided is a post assembly including one or morefixtures such as those just described to position a hollow post inrelation to a pipe. The post assembly includes a standard pipe which ispositioned within a hollow post having a square inner cross-sectiondefined by a plurality of inner walls. For positioning the hollow postover the pipe, there is provided at least one fixture disposed withinthe post, the fixture including a fitting having a bore, the pipe beingdisposed within the bore and secured thereto by a fastener. A webextends outwardly from the fitting, and a plurality of friction platesextend from the web, each friction plate having a surface for engagingan inner wall of the hollow post. The friction plates are situated sothat at least two opposing inner walls of the hollow post are engaged.Preferably, the fixture includes four such friction plates, eachfriction plate engaging a separate inner wall of the post.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to an adjustable mount for ahollow post. The adjustable mount includes an elongated supportstructure, such as a pipe, which is adapted for positioning within ahollow fence post. The support structure extends from a mounting bracketwhich is positioned over a base. Extending upwardly from the base are anumber of threaded members which extend through a number of holes in themounting bracket. Adjustment members, such as a conventional nut, arepositioned onto each of the threaded members between the base and themounting bracket, so that movement of the adjustment members adjusts theangle of the elongated support structure relative to the base.

Another embodiment of the invention is a post assembly that combines apipe, one or more fixtures and an adjustable mount. A hollow post isprovided having a square inner cross-section defined by four innerwalls. A pipe is disposed within the post, secured to one of morefixtures. The fixtures include a fitting and a web connecting thefitting to a number of friction plates. The pipe is disposed within abore in the fitting and secured thereto by at least one fastener. Theweb extends outwardly from the fitting, and a number of friction platesextend from the web, each friction plate having a surface that engagesone of the inner walls of the post, the friction plates positioned sothat at least two opposing inner walls are engaged by separate frictionplates.

The adjustable mount of this embodiment includes a mounting brackethaving a number of holes therein, the pipe extending from the mountingbracket, and a base underlying the bracket and having a number ofthreaded members extending upwardly through the holes. An adjustmentmember is positioned on each of the threaded members between the bracketand the base, whereby movement of the adjustment member along thethreaded member adjusts the angle of the pipe relative to the base.

Also provided is a method of installing a hollow post including thesteps of mounting a pipe to a structure such as the ground or a wooddeck, securing a fixture such as those just described to the pipe, andthen fitting a hollow post over the pipe and fixture. In anotherembodiment, an adjustable mount such as those described above isemployed to mount the pipe to a structure, and the installation methodincludes the step of adjusting the vertical position of the pipe byrotating one or more of the adjustment members.

Additional features and benefits of the present invention are providedin the particular embodiments of the invention described herein in theDetailed Description of the invention, as well as in the variousembodiments of the invention set forth in the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a post assembly including a hollow post,two fixtures and an elongated support.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred fixture of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a preferred fixture of theinvention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fixture for a hollow post having twoopposing friction plates.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fixture for a hollow post withoutaccess openings.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an adjustable mount for a hollow fence post.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of an adjustable mount for a hollowfence post.

FIG. 9 shows an adjustable mount of the invention in disassembledformat.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fixture having a fitting withpositioning wedges.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a fitting with positioningwedges.

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a fitting having positioningstrips.

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a fixture having support finsand expansion slots.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a fixture having support finsand expansion slots.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the drawings similar numbers are used to indicate similarstructures in the various embodiments of the invention.

In describing the preferred embodiments of the subject matterillustrated and to be described with respect to the drawings, specificterminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, theinvention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms soselected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes alltechnical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish asimilar result.

The present invention pertains to a post assembly, and particularly to apost assembly for a hollow vinyl fence post. Referring to FIG. 1, apreferred embodiment of a post assembly 20 is shown. The post assembly20 includes at least one fixture 10 (two fixtures are shown) which isemployed to position a hollow post 12 in relation to an elongatedsupport structure 14. The support structure 14 is mounted to a basestructure 18, which may be, for example, an earth base, a wooden orvinyl deck, or a cement floor.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the elongated supportstructure 14 is a standard cylindrical pipe. Pipe of this type is acommon construction material, being inexpensive and easy to work with inthat it can be readily cut to any desired length. However, a variety ofelongated support structures can be used and the dimensions of the bore28 of fittings 22 (FIG. 2) can be adapted accordingly. For example, arod having a square or cylindrical cross section can readily be used inplace of a pipe, as well as other shapes such as polygonal, rectangular,oval and the like.

Positioning elongated support structure 14 within a hollow post 12 isaccomplished by using one or more fixtures 10, which are depicted ingreater detail in FIGS. 2-6. The basic elements of fixtures 10 of theinvention are a central fitting 22, a web 24, and a plurality offriction plates 26. A preferred embodiment of a fixture 10 of theinvention is depicted in FIG. 2.

Fitting 22 is preferably in the form of a cylinder, open at both ends,with an outer surface 32, and a bore 28. The bore 28 is adapted toreceive elongated support structure 14, and is preferably cylindrical toaccommodate a cylindrical pipe. The dimensions of the bore can beadapted to receive any number of elongated support structures known tothose of skill in the art. The dimensions of the bore 28 should permitthe fitting 22 to be easily moved to a desired vertical position alongthe elongated support 14, and at the same time, minimize the amount ofmovement of the elongated support 14 within the bore 28. In oneembodiment, the dimensions of the bore 28 are only slightly greater thanthose of the exterior of the elongated support 14, such that somefrictional resistance is provided between the outer surface of theelongated support 14 and the inner surface defining the bore 28.

Optionally, one or more protrusions 120 (FIGS. 10-12) may be providedwithin the bore 28 of the fitting 22 which assist in positioning theelongated support 14 within the bore 28. Preferably, two suchprotrusions are provided, more preferably three or more are provided toinsure that the elongated support 14 is positioned centrally within thebore 28. Preferably, two sets of such protrusions 120, an upper andlower set are provided as depicted in FIGS. 10-12.

In one embodiment these protrusions 120 are in the form of a wedge, thethin, leading portion of the wedge being positioned downward within thebore 28 to allow the fixture 10 to be fitted onto the elongated support14 (FIGS. 10-11). The wedges 120 are preferably made of a resilientmaterial that will give when the elongated support 14 is fitted intoplace. Referring to FIG. 12, in an alternative embodiment, theprotrusions comprise a strip of materially, preferably rectangular inshape, resiliently connected to an inner wall of said fitting 22.

In a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, instead ofprotrusions, the fitting 22 includes more than one, preferably two, andmore preferably four, longitudinal expansion slots 70. These slots 70allow the fitting 22 to expand radially, which provides for an easyfitting over an elongated support structure 14. This radial expansion isalso beneficial in that the fixture can allow for some variation in thesize, and defects or damage to, the elongated support structure 14.

As shown, the slots extend from the bottom of fitting 22 along thelength thereof. The length of these slots is not critical, however, oneshould recognize that the longer the slot 70, the greater theflexibility provided to fitting 22. In another embodiment, one or moreslots can run the entire length of the fitting, providing maximumflexibility. However, in the preferred embodiment a portion of thefitting should remain as a solid cylinder to provide strength to thefitting against external forces applied to a post fitted on the fixture.Similarly, the width of the slots is not critical, and the term “slot”can refer to a simple slit or gap in the fitting 22.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fixture 10 will include foursuch expansion slots 70, arranged in equal radially spaced apartpositions about the circumference of the fitting 22. As shown in FIG.14, in the preferred embodiment, the slots 70 are positioned towards thecorners of the fixture.

In the mounting of a hollow post, the position of the fixtures 10 withinthe post can be adjusted to meet the needs of the particularapplication. Once in position, the fixture 10 can be secured in place bymeans of a fastener 32, by way of a threaded bolt or screw 36 receivedby a hole 34 as shown in FIG. 2. In a preferred embodiment, a screw isemployed which is driven into the elongated support structure 14. In thecase where a bolt is employed, the hole 34 can be threaded to receivethe bolt. In the preferred embodiment, fitting 22 will include more thanone, more preferably four, such holes 34 spaced equidistantly apart fromone another about the circumference of the cylindrical fixture.

Other methods of positioning the fixtures 10 in relation to an elongatedsupport structure 14 should be recognized by those of skill in the art.For example, an adjustable clamp can be employed, or an o-ring can befitted around the elongated support 14 above and/or below the fitting22. In some applications, it may be desirable to position a fixture 10at the end of an elongated support 14. In that instance a fixture 10 canbe provided wherein the upper end of the fitting 22 includes a stop (notshown), or the uppermost end of the bore is enclosed. In yet anotherembodiment, the elongated support structure 14 may include one or morestops (not shown), such as a circumferential lip, or holes for a pin,upon which the fitting 22 may rest.

Extending from the fitting 22 is a web 24 that serves to connect thefitting 22 to a plurality of friction plates 26. In the preferredembodiment (FIG. 2), fitting 22 extends below web 24. However, fitting22 can also extend above and/or below web 24 as depicted in FIGS. 3, 5and 6.

As depicted in FIGS. 2-6, in the preferred embodiment, web 24 is in theform of a horizontal, square plate. The shape of the web 24 is notessential so long as it provides adequate support for the frictionplates 26 against typical forces that might be applied to the hollowpost once assembled. In some embodiments, support fins 50 such as thosedepicted in FIG. 4 can be employed to provide additional strength to theweb 24. In FIG. 4, the support fins 50 are shown radially extending fromthe fitting 22.

There are a number of manufacturers of hollow posts, and particularlyvinyl fence posts, and the inner dimensions of such posts can vary frommanufacturer to manufacturer, by design, and within acceptablemanufacturing tolerances. To accommodate for these variations, thepresent invention uses resilient and/or resiliently connected frictionplates 26 to position the post in relation to an elongated support 14.

In the preferred embodiment, friction plates 26 are essentiallyrectangular in form, and connected to a plate-shaped web 24 along theupper edge 38 thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the vinyl material ofwhich the fixture 10 is constructed forms a resilient connection alongedge 38 between the web 24 and friction plate 26, allowing the plate tomove inward when pressure is applied against outer surface 40 of thefriction plate 26. The thickness and type of material employed at theconnection determines the resiliency of the connection, which alsoaffects the amount of frictional resistance applied to the inner surfaceof the hollow post.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-6, friction plates 26 include a first, outersurface 40 for engaging a portion of an inner surface 46 (FIG. 1) of arectangular hollow post along the width or length thereof. Generally,bore 28 and pipe 14 share a common longitudinal axis 44 and web 24 isdisposed transverse thereto. Plate 24 has a length L1 and a width W1which are less than the length and width (not shown) of the inner crosssection of hollow post 12. Friction plates 26 extend from edge 38 at anobtuse angle A (FIG. 2) such that a length L2 (or width W2) (seen inFIGS. 2 and 5) formed between two opposing friction plates 26 is greaterthan that of the length and/or width (not shown) of the inner crosssection of hollow post 12. When a hollow post 12 is fitted over one ormore fixtures 10 secured to an elongated structure 14, the frictionplates 26 are forced inwards, frictionally engaging the inner surfaces46 (FIG. 1) of the hollow post.

In a preferred embodiment, in addition to the resilient connection alongedge 38, the friction plates 26 also are constructed of a material, andof a thickness, that imparts a certain amount of resiliency. Thus, inaddition to flexing at edge 38, the friction plates may also bendagainst the inner surfaces 46 when disposed within a hollow post.

Although resiliency of the connection between the friction plates 26 andthe web 24 is employed to position the hollow post in connection withthe elongated support, the connection must also be of sufficientstrength to resist external forces applied to the post in its assembledform without breaking. In the preferred embodiment, support connectors62 (FIG. 2) are included which extend between adjacent friction plates26 to impart additional strength.

In yet another preferred embodiment, instead of support connectors 62,the fixture 10 can employ a plurality of support fins 72, as shown inFIGS. 13-14. The support fins 72 are formed at the junction between theweb 24 and friction plates 26. The support fins 72 include an upperportion 74 with a first edge 78 connected to the bottom of web 24.Extending from the upper portion 74 of the support fins 72 is a lowerportion 76. A second edge 80 extends along the upper and lower portions74, 76 and connects to inner surface 82 of the friction plates 26. In apreferred embodiment, the elongated second edge 80 extends almost theentire length of the friction plates 26.

The support fins 72 tyically have a plate-like structure. The thicknessof the fins 72, and the dimensions of the fins overall, can be varied,thereby affecting the strength and rigidity of the friction plates, andthe resulting amount of resistance provided when a hollow post is fittedonto the fixture 10. For example, length of the lower portion 76 can bevaried, the longer structure providing greater strength and rigidity.

The positioning of the support fins 72 is best illustrated in connectionwith FIG. 14. In a preferred embodiment, each friction plate includestwo such structures, one providing additional support to each of thelower plate portions 84 separated by access opening 64 (see FIG. 2). Ina preferred embodiment, the support fins 72 extend in substantiallytransverse orientation to both the web 24 and the friction plates 26. Inoperation, these support fins 72 provide additional support to thefriction plates 26 against forces applied to the external surfaces 40thereof.

While the term “plate” is used, it will be recognized by those of skillin the art that the overall shape of the plates is not critical so longas each friction plate 26 includes an outer surface 40 for engaging aninner surface 46 of a hollow post along a length or a width thereof.Further, the number of friction plates 26 may vary, however, thereshould be at least two opposing friction plates, as shown, for example,in the embodiment of FIG. 5. Preferably, four friction plates areprovided as depicted in FIGS. 2-4 and 6.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown another embodiment of a fixture 10,wherein the friction plates 26 are in the form of a solid rectangularplate. As shown, these plates combine to form a hollow cavity 60underlying web 24. As in the preferred embodiment, depicted in FIG. 2,the fitting 22 may extend below the web 24 into this hollow cavity 60.In several embodiments of the fixture 10 of the invention, fasteners 32including holes 34 are provided in this portion of the fitting withinthe hollow cavity 60. To allow for access to these fasteners, preferablythere is provided an access opening 64 in one or more of the frictionplates 26 to allow for access to the fastener. In the preferredembodiment (FIG. 2) there are access openings 64 provided in each of thefour friction plates 26.

The preferred embodiment of the mounting fixture of the invention isinjection molded from vinyl or other suitable plastics.

When mounting a post to an earth foundation, an elongated support 14,such as a pipe, can be placed within an excavated hole, and can then befixed in place by the use of concrete. The vertical alignment of thepipe can be readily adjusted by simply shifting the position of the pipewithin the concrete before it sets. However, when using a post inconnection with a base structure other than an earth foundation, forexample a wood deck, a mount is typically provided, and it is not assimple to adjust the vertical alignment of the post. Typically, shimsare placed under a portion of the mount to adjust the verticalalignment, however, this has many disadvantages.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, there is shown an adjustable mount assembly 100which generally includes an elongated support structure 14, preferably apipe, mounting bracket 102, and base 104. Base 104 includes a pluralityof threaded members 106 which extend upwardly therefrom. Each threadedmember 106 is rotatably engaged with an adjustment member, preferably anut, 112. Preferably, the threaded members 106 are bolts having aflattened head 120 (FIG. 9) which sits flush with the base 104 whenpositioned on an underlying support. Alternatively, the threaded membersmay be welded to the base.

Mounting bracket 102 includes a plurality of holes 118 which are adaptedto receive threaded members 106 when the mounting bracket 102 ispositioned over base 104. Elongated support structure 14 may be attachedto the base by any number of methods, preferably by welding. Optionally,angle supports 114, welded at an angle between the elongated support 14and mounting bracket 102, can be provided for additional strength.

When installing the mounting assembly 100 of the present invention, base104 is secured to a base structure 18, such as a cement floor or wooddeck. In the preferred embodiment, bolts, screws, nails or otherfastening means are employed to secure the base 104 through holes 110.Mounting bracket 102, with attached elongated support 14, is thenpositioned over the base and brought to rest upon the adjustment members112. Rotating any one of the adjustment members 112 will change thevertical orientation of the elongated support 14.

Once the elongated support 14 has been properly aligned, a locking nut116 (FIG. 8) is engaged with threaded member 106, securing the mountingbracket 102 in place. To prevent the bolts from loosening over time,stops (not shown) may be employed. The stops generally consist of apiece of tubular plastic which may be cut to a desired length and fittedaround the exposed portion of the threaded member 106 between threadedmember 106 and base 104.

Once the elongated support 14 has been mounted, either by the mountingassembly 100 of the present invention, or otherwise, one or morefixtures 10 may be fitted over the elongated support 14 and placed inthe desired position. Using fasteners 32, the fixtures 10 are thensecured to the elongated support 14. Hollow post 12 can then be placedover the elongated support 14 and fixtures 10.

Depending on the application of the post now installed, various hardwaremay be attached to the post via conventional means. Typically this is bythe use of screws. In the case of a post for a fence assembly, thishardware may consist of brackets for horizontal fence members, or mayincludes hinges or other hardware for a gate. While vinyl posts havemany advantages, one disadvantage is that the thickness of the walls isoften insufficient for proper mounting of such hardware usingconventional screws. However, if the fixtures of the present inventionare positioned properly, screws can be driven through both the walls ofthe post and the friction plates 26 of the fixture 10, providing thedesired additional support.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerousmodifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that otherarrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A post assembly comprising: an elongated support structure; a hollowpost having an inner cross-section defined by a plurality of innerwalls, said support structure disposed within said post; and at leastone fixture disposed within said post, said fixture comprising a fittinghaving a bore, said support structure disposed within said bore andsecured thereto by at least one fastener, a web extending outwardly fromsaid fitting, a plurality of friction plates extending from said web,each friction plate having a first surface engaging a portion of one ofsaid inner walls of said post, said friction plates positioned so thatat least two opposing inner walls of said post are frictionally engagedby opposing friction plates; and a plurality of support fins connectedbetween said web and said friction plates.
 2. The post assembly of claim1, wherein said fixture includes four friction plates, each frictionplate engaging a separate inner wall of said post, said fixture furthercomprising at least one support fin connected between said web and eachsaid friction plate.
 3. The post assembly of claim 1, wherein said webcomprises a horizontal plate, said horizontal plate including fourperipheral edges and having a length and width less than that of saidinner cross-section of said hollow post, said friction plates extendingfrom respective edges of said horizontal plate at an obtuse angle, saidsupport fins extending transverse to said horizontal plate and fromrespective edges of said friction plates.
 4. The post assembly of claim2, wherein said friction plates define a hollow cavity underlying saidweb, said fitting extending into said hollow cavity, at least one ofsaid friction plates having an access opening through which saidfastener can be engaged to secure said fixture to said supportstructure.
 5. The post assembly of claim 1, wherein said supportstructure includes a longitudinal axis, and said fitting comprises anelongated hollow cylinder defining said bore, said web extendingoutwardly from said fitting transverse to said longitudinal axis of saidsupport structure, said fitting further comprising at least oneelongated expansion slot.
 6. A post assembly comprising: a hollow posthaving a square inner cross-section defined by four inner walls; a pipeincluding a longitudinal axis disposed within said post; and at leastone fixture disposed within said post, said fixture comprising a fittinghaving a bore, said pipe disposed within said bore and secured theretoby at least one fastener, a web extending from said fitting transverseto said longitudinal axis of said pipe, four friction plates extendingfrom said web, each friction plate having a first surface that engagesone of said inner walls of said post along a portion thereof, saidfriction plates positioned so that each of said inner walls of said postare frictionally engaged by a separate friction plate, and a pluralityof support fins connected between said web and said friction plates. 7.The post assembly of claim 6, wherein said web comprises a horizontalplate, said horizontal plate including four peripheral edges and havinga length and width less than that of said inner cross-section of saidhollow post, said friction plates extending from respective edges ofsaid horizontal plate at an obtuse angle, said support fins extendingtransverse to said horizontal plate and from respective edges of saidfriction plates.
 8. The post assembly of claim 6, wherein said frictionplates define a hollow cavity underlying said web, said fittingextending into said hollow cavity, at least one of said friction plateshaving an access opening through which said fastener can be engaged tosecure said fixture to said support structure.
 9. The post assembly ofclaim 6, wherein said support structure includes a longitudinal axis,and said fitting comprises an elongated hollow cylinder defining saidbore, said web extending outwardly from said fitting transverse to saidlongitudinal axis of said pipe, said fitting further comprising at leastone elongated expansion slot.
 10. The post assembly of claim 9, whereinsaid fitting includes four elongated expansion slots.
 11. A fixture formounting a hollow post to a support structure comprising: a fittingincluding a bore adapted to receive an elongated support structure; aweb extending from said fitting; a plurality of friction platesextending from and connected to said web, and a plurality of supportfins connected between said web and said friction plates.
 12. Thefixture of claim 11, further comprising a fastener for securing saidfixture to said support structure.
 13. The fixture of claim 11, whereinsaid fixture includes four friction plates, each friction plate havingat least one support fin connected thereto.
 14. The fixture of claim 11,wherein said fitting includes at least one hole adapted to receive athreaded fastener for securing said fitting to said elongated supportstructure.
 15. The fixture of claim 11, wherein said bore iscylindrical, and wherein said elongated support structure has acylindrical shape, said fitting further comprising at least oneelongated expansion slot.
 16. The fixture of claim 11, wherein said webincludes a horizontal plate, said horizontal plate including fourperipheral edges, said friction plates extending from said respectiveedges of said horizontal plate at an obtuse angle, said support finsextending transverse to said horizontal plate and from respective edgesof said friction plates.
 17. The post assembly of claim 15, wherein saidfitting includes four elongated expansion slots.
 18. The fixture ofclaim 12, wherein said friction plates define a hollow cavity underlyingsaid web, said fitting extending into said hollow cavity, at least oneof said friction plates having an access opening through which saidfastener can be engaged to secure said fixture to said supportstructure.
 19. A fixture for mounting a hollow post comprising: afitting having a cylindrical bore adapted to receive a support pipe,said bore having a longitudinal axis, said fitting having at least oneelongated expansion slot; a fastener for securing said fixture to saidsupport pipe; and a rectangular plate having four peripheral edges andextending outwardly from said fitting perpendicular to said longitudinalaxis, said fitting positioned centrally with respect to said plate; anda plurality of friction plates, at least two of said friction platesextending from opposing edges of said rectangular plate.
 20. The fixtureof claim 19, wherein said fixture includes four friction plates, eachfriction plate extending from a separate peripheral edge of saidrectangular plate.
 21. The fixture of claim 19, wherein said frictionplates extend from said respective edges of said rectangular plate at anobtuse angle formed between said rectangular plate and said frictionplate.
 22. The fixture of claim 19, wherein said friction plates definea hollow cavity underlying said rectangular plate, said fittingextending into said hollow cavity, at least one of said friction plateshaving an access opening through which said fastener can be engaged tosecure said fixture to said pipe.
 23. The fixture as in any one ofclaims 19-22, further comprising a plurality of support fins, saidsupport fins connected between said web and one of said friction plates.